APPS - Microsoft and Nokia to invest $23.71 million in app development for Windows Phone

Microsoft and Nokia are planning to invest $23.71 million into Nokia’s AppCampus program over the next three years to catapult the apps ecosystem on the Windows Phone platform reports The Next Web. Both the companies are calling this the  ‘mobile app accelerator program’ and the idea is to give world-class training, coaching, marketing and distribution support to app developers. This way, Microsoft and Nokia are not only giving a financial incentive to app developers, but are also ensuring that they get proper training with regards to the Metro design language, so that they can build better apps. Developers will get anything in-between $26,000 and $92,000 depending on the complexity of the app. This is a lot of money. In comparison...

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Posted in: APPS

GADGETS- TABLET - Acer said to be working on a $99 Android tablet and a cheap Windows 8 tablet: WSJ

When one thinks of a $99 tablet then one always thinks of Asus, because of the fact they launched the Nexus 7 with Google, which broke ground in the $199 price bracket. That said WSJ believes that Acer is planning a $99 Android tablet and is also working on a cheap Windows 8 tablet. Only recently, some pictures popped up on a Serbian forum and WSJ has confirmed that the images are of the $99 Acer tablet. The tablet is rumored to feature a 7-inch display with a resolution 1024×600 pixels and a dual-core processor clocked at 1.2GHz. Additionally, a couple of days ago two Asus tablets were leaked and one of them had a rumored price range of $130 and are expected to be seen at CES, so this market is definitely...

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Posted in: GADGETS - TABLETS

GADGET - I PHONE - Amp Audyssey Music Player for iPhone will eke out every ounce of sonic goodness from your headphones

Yes, you read that right. Often I find myself in a conundrum on the iPhone because of the lackadaisical nature of the built-in music player because of the lack of equalization controls on the iPhone. Yes, you get a crippled set of EQ setting buried in the vast depths of the setting menu, but that’s about it. And if you happen use the standard Apple earphones then good luck, because the sound will not be what audiophiles expect it to be. On the other hand if you download a third-party music player that does offer you a number EQ settings, then a novice will be at a loss because you need some basic working knowledge of the app, before you even start otherwise you could end up ruining the sound. The Amp Audyssey Music Player is what you...

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Posted in: GADGETS - I PHONE

MOBILE - BLACK BERRY - Photo of BlackBerry 10 ‘N-series’ smartphone with QWERTY keyboard leaked

Barely days after the first photos of the BlackBerry ‘L-series’ smartphone leaked online, we have a photo of the second smartphone that RIM is planning to launch that will have a QWERTY keypad. Codenamed N-series, the phone bears an uncanny resemblance to the Bold 9900, which isn’t  a bad thing as it had one of the best physical QWERTY keypads on any smartphone. Little is known about the phone, but earlier rumors indicated it to have a 720×720 pixel touchscreen display with a pixel density of 330ppi. We got the first glimpse of the phone when an internal RIM marketing presentation was leaked way back in September and recent leaks suggest it would be called the X10 and the L-series phone the Z10. RIM will...

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Posted in: MOBILE - BLACK BERRY

TECH - Facebook set to revamp its 'Timeline' feature

Washington: Social networking site Facebook may be redesigning its 'Timeline' feature, as the firm confirmed it is experimenting with new ways of laying out users' pages.  "This is a new design Facebook is testing with a small percentage of people to make navigating timeline even easier," a Facebook spokesperson told ABC News.  Tabs are back with this new look, doing away with front-and-center thumbnails for 'friends' and 'photos,' a move that may further bury some marketing efforts for brands that rely on apps.The result is a cleaner, bolder menu for navigation. In this design, your name is lifted into the cover photo as well.Having text over the photo evokes Twitter's header images, implemented over the last month,...

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Posted in: TECH

HEALTH - Too much `sugary and fatty` food can weaken your bones

Washington: High-fat, high-sugar foods not only cause obesity and promote heart disease, but they can also contribute to conditions like osteoporosis by weakening bones, according to researchers.If this trend continues, this overlooked ‘silent robber’ will begin to cripple large numbers of at-risk baby boomers, said researchers at the University of Michigan and the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute.While this high-fat, high-sugar diet trend and the subsequent risk of osteoporosis are climbing frighteningly fast, there’s hope, said Ron Zernicke, dean of U-M’s School of Kinesiology and a professor of orthopedic surgery and biomedical engineering.The medical community and the public can reverse this trend by confronting the problem...

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Posted in: HEALTH - FOOD

HEALTH - Dengue fever: Check for the symptoms

The death of legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra on October 21 left the entire country sad and grieving. At the same time it also surprised and shocked many when the cause of the veteran filmmaker’s death was revealed - dengue.The filmmaker who rewrote romance on the celluloid had all the riches in the world –the most upscale areas to live in, to the best of food and healthcare. The how could he succumb to an illness most often referred to as the poor man`s diseases?The diseases that had already infected over 600 people in the national capital itself for once has sent the authorities into a tizzy, with the state and the municipal bodies trying to put the blame on one another. The death of the ace filmmaker has forced the authorities into...

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Posted in: HEALTH

COMPUTERS - BenQ launches 3D-enabled full-HD XL2420TX monitor for Rs. 31,000

BenQ has announced the launch of 24-inch 3D-enabled BenQ XL2420TX, its flagship gaming monitor targeted at professionals and gamers.The BenQ XL2420TX is capable of displaying full-HD 3D content and comes with bundled 3D glasses. The monitor is HDMI 1.4a compatible, which means it offers features like 3D, Ethernet channel, and Audio return channel over the HDMI interface. It supports refresh rates up to 120Hz. "Gaming has always been one of the core product focus for BenQ, with the XL2420T gaming monitor launch turning into a grand success earlier this year we are now introducing its successor model XL2420TX, our BenQ R&D team have utilised their expertise in the display product field to recreate each feature and function required...

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Posted in: COMPUTERS

APPS - Sentinel mobile app alerts friends and family in case of danger

Kochi-based MindHelix Technosol Pvt Ltd has successfully developed and launched a smartphone application for improving the security of users, the first such application ever to be launched.The smartphone application, Sentinel, can call your friends and family in case of danger, and point them to your location. It works in multiple scenarios, and can function without being manually triggerred. The intelligent application can send out alerts even if the attacker forcefully destroys the phone. The application triggers an alert even if the user is not connected to the Internet by sending an SMS with location to the server. The alerts consist of the last known location, time and direction with tracking information to see live data from...

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Posted in: APPS

TECH - LG announces new Google TV models set to debut at CES 2013

LG is ushering in the new year by announcing a new line of TVs that will be powered by Google TV 3.0. Expected to debut at CES 2013, LG's new models GA7900 and GA6400  will come in varying screen sizes ranging from 42-inches to 60-inches. Currently, LG offers a 47-inch and a 55-inch Google TV model. They are expected to be available in the first half of 2013 in the US.The televisions will boast features like voice-recognition and Prime Time quick guide and also enable users to search and watch over 100,000 available movies and TV episodes simultaneously.Furthermore, they will come integrated with OnLive cloud gaming service that does not require a separate console box (OnLive) and is likely to offer more than 300 high-end gaming titles.Users...

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Posted in: TECH

GADGETS - I PAD - Apple working on thinner, lighter 5th generation iPad

If inside sources of a Japanese blog Macotakara are to be believed, then Apple is reportedly planning to introduce the next generation iPad in the upcoming months.The blog, which has been known for its accurate predictions in the past with Apple products, states that this version of the company's 9.7-inch tablet will be thinner and lighter drawing on elements from the recently introduced 7-inch iPad mini (Review I Pictures). The expected dimensions for the device are 4mm x 17mm x 2mm. According to the blog, the 5th generation iPad is likely scheduled for a March 2013 release.Furthermore, the blog's sources indicate that Apple is also amidst a production trial of the 2nd generation iPad mini. The 7.9-inch tablet is expected...

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Posted in: GADGETS - I PAD

NEWS - Rs 600/month scheme: 'Mrs Dikshit. is this a joke?'

In a case of grandstanding-gone-very-wrong, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, while launching her government's flagship scheme Dilli Annashree Yojna, claimed that a family of five can fulfill all their needs with a cash subsidy of Rs 600 per month. Dikshit's outrageous observation -- made in the presence of Congress president Sonia Gandhi -- has received enormous flak. The chief minister, who her Bharatiya Janata Party opponents say is oblivious to the actual prices of rice and daal, has claimed that she was quoted out of context. Rediff.com's Priyanka spoke to the aam aadmi in the affluent Nizamuddin East area in New Delhi, where Dikshit lives, and found reactions ranging from disbelief to disappointment...

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Posted in: NEWS

BOLLYWOOD - Akshay Kumar's role in SPECIAL CHABBIS inspired by Natwarlal

All this while Akshay Kumar's upcoming film SPECIAL 26 and his look was closely guarded and kept completely under wraps so as not to let out the content.  view SPECIAL 26 stills However, now, officially, SPECIAL CHABBIS is being said to be an edgy gritty heist drama. The makers are highlighting that the film is based on the real-life daring heist dated 19-Mar-1987, where an unknown man posing as CBI officer Mon Singh recruited 26 men and executed a daylight raid on the Opera House branch of a reputed jewellery shop in Mumbai, and disappeared with jewellery worth lakhs.But now sources close to the unit reveal that Akshay Kumar's role is somewhat based on Mithilesh Kumar Srivastava, better known as Natwarlal. As the folklore...

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Posted in: BOLLYWOOD

BOLLYWOOD - Bigg Boss 6: Urvashi, Delnaaz emerge as the strongest contestants to win the show

Bigg Boss yet again gave his own twist to the nominations procedure in the show. This time around the inmates were asked to give any three names who they think deserve to win the show. With Imam Siddiqui being the captain of the house, the other eight inmates were asked to cast their votes in the confession room. This time around Bigg Boss also gave liberty to the inmates to recommend their own names for the most deserving contestant to win the show. While Urvashi and Delnaaz topped the list with seven votes, no votes were cast for Sapna. Most of the inmates voted for Urvashi's strong character while others admired Delnaaz's desire to win the show. However, Bigg Boss asked all the inmates to not discuss the nominations in the house. With...

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Posted in: BOLLYWOOD

BOLLYWOOD - Salman scores fifth big success in a row as 'Dabangg 2' creates havoc

It is being said for long that Salman Khan is pretty much competing with himself as far as box office supremacy in Bollywood is concerned. This has been proven once again with Arbaaz Khan's 'Dabangg 2' which, despite mixed reviews from critics, has hardly been affected. The film has broken the weekend record created by 'Ek Tha Tiger' when it comes to the highest weekend collections ever. 'Ek Tha Tiger' had created a new record for first three days collections of 57 crores. Now 'Dabangg 2' has managed to rake in 65 crores. This is still in the top of the league as competition for the third and fourth best are far away.Salman has shown once again that in the current scenario, he is his own competition. What is notable...

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Posted in: BOLLYWOOD - Salman Khan

MOBILE - Airtel's new Data Share Plan allows 3G data sharing between 3 devices

Airtel customers can now share can share 3G data up to 5GB at Rs. 1,000 between three connections. Bharti Airtel has announced a new data plan that allows the subscriber to share one plan with two more devices. With Airtel's Data Share Plan, a subscriber can share 3G data up to 5GB with a recharge of Rs. 1,000, which is valid for 30 days. The plan can be shared with other Airtel numbers (prepaid and postpaid) only, but they have to be in the same circle. To use the new Airtel data share plan, subscribers can go towww.airtel.in/datashare or SMS “DATA SHARE ADD mobile number” to add phone numbers with which they want to share the data. Airtel has put up an infographic explaining how its Data...

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Posted in: MOBILE

GADGETS - I PAD - Rumor Tips Thinner, Lighter iPad in March

                                                       Many people will be ripping open new fourth-gen iPads or iPad minis tomorrow morning, but rumors about the next Apple tablet are already swirling. According to Japanese blog Macotakara, as picked up by 9to5Mac, the next iPad will be unveiled in March 2013 and boast a thinner, lighter profile. That includes a 4mm reduction in height, 17mm in width, and 2mm in depth, Macotakara said. The blog also suggested that the next-gen iPad will incorporate elements of the iPad mini - namely the black/slate or white/silver color schemes. A March 2013...

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Posted in: GADGETS - I PAD

MOBILE - Zync launches six dual SIM phones, price starting at Rs. 1900

Zync on Monday launched six new dual SIM phones ie. Zync C18, Zync C21, Zync C22, Zync C24, Zync C27 and Zync C30. All the mobile phones are priced at INR 1399, INR 1990, INR 1990, INR 1990, INR 1990 and INR 2499 respectively. All the phones are available in black and red colour. These powerful devices are slated to be one of the most affordable phones available in the market.  All the phones come with a Dual SIM feature that allows users to make calls and send text messages without needing several phones. The other features include loudspeaker, a 4GB microSD memory card, USB connectivity, Bluetooth support, a dual LED torch light and many others. These mobile phones also have a primary camera of 1.3 MP which supports video recording,...

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Posted in: MOBILE

MOBILE - Reliance brings out Facebook Messenger Plan at Rs 16 per month this Christmas

Reliance Communications (RCOM) has introduced a pre-paid Facebook Messenger Plan for its GSM subscribers which will offer a new experience with incredible affordability to smartphone users across the country. Reportedly, the new plan will provide unlimited access of Facebook, including Messenger, at Rs 16 per month. Further, the plan will be available with a 30-day-validity from the date of recharge and is auto-renewed every 30 days unless unsubscribed. Reliance GSM subscribers can also subscribe to the ‘Facebook messenger Plan' by sending a SMS "FB" to 53739 from their mobile phones. Similar to this, the telecom company had launched its special Whats App plan as well. RCOM is India's foremost and truly integrated telecommunications service...

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Posted in: MOBILE

SPORTS - Sachin Tendulkar: Man who became God

New Delhi: It did not take much for the cricket pundits to spot a genius in Sachin Tendulkar after he made his international debut in a Test match in Karachi Nov 15, 1989. He was 16 then. More than two decades later, he has gone on to become one of the greatest batsman the world will ever see.Twenty-three years, one month, and eight days from his debut, the five-feet-five-inch cricketing genius has called time on a glittering one-day career. With 18,426 runs from 463 matches at an average of 44.83, Tendulkar has most batting records under his belt in the 50-over format as also in Tests.He holds the record for the maximum number of appearances and is the highest run-getter and century-maker in both versions. He has turned out in six World...

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Posted in: SPORTS - CRICKET

HEALTH -TOP 10 HEALTHY HAIR GROWTH TIPS

Some people are blessed with long flowing locks that grow effortlessly, while others need to put in more effort to promote healthy hair growth. If you below to the latter group, you can benefit from these top 10 healthy hair growth tips and suggestions.1. Use hair tools on low heat settings – It may come as a surprise, but one of the leading causes of hair damage stems from the overuse of heat. If you can’t help but to use a blow dryer daily, try using a diffuser or a brush attachment as stress reducers on your hair.2. Buy a filter for your shower head – Chlorine purifies water, but it can also reek havoc on your strands. This will help you to avoid washing your hair with hard water.3. Use natural boar’s bristle brushes – Lots of styling...

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Posted in: HEALTH

HEALTH -NAIL FUNGUS HOME REMEDY – TEA TREE OIL, VINEGAR, PEROXIDE OR BLEACH?

Using a nail fungus home remedy is safe and will not cause liver damage, which most if not all nail fungus prescriptions do. More and more people are choosing to use more holistic practices opposed to prescribed medications when dealing with a fungal nail infection.Start with wearing loose fitting shoes that breathe or sandals to keep the fungus at bay. If you must wear closed shoes that allow for less air to flow, wear white cotton socks and use antifungal nail polish.There is no one nail fungus cure that works faster than the other. Using the remedy that works well for you consistently, and staying away from the environment that caused your toe fungus is the best defense. Tea tree oil, vinegar, peroxide and bleach are all regularly...

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Posted in: HEALTH

HEALTH,--5 BEST HOME REMEDIES FOR HAIR GROWTH YOU CAN TRY

There are literally dozens of home remedies for hair growth that you can test out, but nearly all users can expect varying results. Depending on the reason for your hair loss, you may end up stimulating formally dormant hair follicles,or possibly even improve the health, thickness and strength of existing hairs. For people that have slow hair growth, home remedies such as cold water rinses and hot oil treatments seem to do the trick. Here are the five most popular ways for you to regrow your hair at home.1. Eucalyptus oil – In addition to smelling quite good, eucalyptus oil for hair has multiple benefits that help to stimulate the scalp and add strength to existing hair strands. Remember that effective hair growth is also about retaining...

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Posted in: HEALTH

HEALTH, 7 BEST HOME REMEDIES FOR DRY SKIN

There are many home remedies for dry skin that are already available to you in your home. There is no way to avoid itchy dry skin, at least at some point in your life.The oil glands can produce too little oil for many different reasons. A lot of the lotion for dry skin that is currently on the market only causes the body to overproduce natural oils, leading to clogged pores and oily faces. Use the seven following home remedies for dry skin and find instant relief.1. Topical vitamins – Vitamins E, A and B are essential to the body, especially when treating a dry skin rash. A lack of these vitamins causes dry skin, so make sure that you take them both orally and topically.2. Almond oil – Massaging a small amount of almond oil into the...

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Posted in: HEALTH

HEALTH, NATURAL MOLE REMOVAL – COCONUT OIL, CASTOR OIL OR VINEGAR?

If you want to try natural mole removal for yourself, there are a few different things that you should keep in mind. First and foremost, remember that no naturalremedy is guaranteed to work for everyone. If you have a skin condition that makes you sensitive to oils or natural acids, you may experience extreme irritation or an allergic reaction. Lastly, make sure that you give the natural mole removal method that you choose ample time to work.Vinegar, namely apple cider vinegar is extremely acidic, yet safe to use on the skin. You will not have to worry about developing a mole removal scar if you choose to use white or apple cider vinegar, but it can take up to 10 days before the mole will eventually dry up and fall off. If you completely...

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Posted in: HEALTH